Exciting News for Kansas City Streetcar Riders!
Kansas City, Mo. — Can you feel the buzz in the air? It looks like our beloved Kansas City streetcar is gearing up to welcome passengers back to the downtown route starting this week! After weeks of construction and testing, the streetcar is almost ready to roll.
What’s Been Happening?
For those who may not have noticed, the streetcar service has been temporarily out of commission while crews have been busy connecting the southern extension to the existing route. This took some serious work, but now, the streetcar is entering the final stages of testing. As of Monday, teams have been busy installing new signage, painting the pavement, and preparing everything for an exciting new chapter in Kansas City transit.
What to Expect When You Ride Again
Excitement is high, and Donna Mandelbaum, the Communications Director for the Kansas City Streetcar Authority, couldn’t hide her enthusiasm. “We are so excited to get back into service,” she said. After several weeks of hard work, they are aiming for a full restoration of service by Wednesday. Doesn’t that sound fantastic?
When the streetcar resumes service, riders will notice a few changes along the downtown route. For instance, if you’re headed south, you’ll need to get off at Union Station. But don’t fret! If your destination is north towards Power & Light, simply cross the street to board at the new Union Station Northbound stop. This might seem like a bit of a hassle for some, especially those with mobility issues or visual impairments, so keep that in mind as you plan your travel.
New Safety Measures and Streetcar-Only Lanes
For everyone’s safety, it’s crucial to use the available crosswalks when crossing the street. The streetcar will be crossing Pershing at Main and will pick up passengers wanting to go north, but during this process, it won’t be holding any passengers. So, make sure to keep an eye out for those new “streetcar only” signs that you’ll see popping up around downtown. Mandelbaum compares these lanes to “bus only” lanes—strictly for streetcars!
These changes will be in place as a temporary measure until the entire extension is complete and fully operational in 2025. Once that happens, riders will be able to journey all the way to UMKC at 51st and Main and beyond. How cool is that?
Final Thoughts
It’s a big moment for Kansas City as we get ready to embrace the future of our public transportation. The route south of Pershing will officially become a streetcar-only area, restricting vehicle traffic in that lane. And don’t worry—the red concrete being laid will serve as a reminder for drivers making turns onto Main, so let’s hope they keep their eyes peeled!
Until the streetcar service returns, Streetcar Link Buses will continue to operate, providing necessary transit options to those needing to get around. So, whether you’re commuting to work, heading to meetings, or just exploring the city, mark your calendars—service is set to pick back up this week. Stay tuned for updates and safe travels!
